As an iPad user, adding an external keyboard can greatly improve the typing experience and productivity. Apple offers two main first-party keyboard options designed specifically for use with iPads – the Magic Keyboard and the Smart Keyboard.
Deciding between these two keyboards can be tricky. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Magic Keyboard and the Smart Keyboard across various factors to help you determine the right choice for your needs and budget.
Overview of the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard is Apple‘s premium keyboard for the iPad Pro and iPad Air. First released in 2020, it‘s the newest and more advanced of the two keyboard models. Key features of the Magic Keyboard include:
- Integrated trackpad for mouse support
- Backlit keys
- Floating cantilever design allowing adjustable viewing angles
- USB-C port for pass-through charging
- Compatible with 2018+ iPad Pro models and 2020+ iPad Air
The Smart Keyboard has been around since 2015 as a more affordable iPad keyboard option focused on portability. Key features include:
- Lightweight fabric design
- Folds into a protective case for the iPad
- No trackpad or backlighting
- Compatible with various iPad models
Now let‘s look at the two keyboards in more detail across a few key comparison points that matter most to users.
Design and Build Quality
The Magic Keyboard has a high-quality build backed by strong metal hinges and a cantilever design that lets you smoothly adjust viewing angles. This comes at a tradeoff of being heavier at around 600g.
In contrast, the Smart Keyboard is extraordinarily light and portable at just 297g. However, it uses a fabric build that is prone to warping over time. It allows only 2 pre-defined angles rather than full freeform adjustability.
Typing Experience
Both keyboards are comfortable to type on but the Magic Keyboard has some clear advantages:
- Keys have 1mm of travel compared to 0.5mm on the Smart Keyboard
- Less noisy key mechanism
- Backlit keys help in dim environments
- Wider keyboard layout
Additionally, the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard coupled with iPadOS cursor support approximates a laptop-style experience.
Extra Features
The Magic Keyboard really differentiates itself with extra capabilities not available on the Smart Keyboard:
- Trackpad support allows mouse input instead of always touching the iPad screen
- Backlit keys let you type comfortably in darker conditions
- USB-C passthrough charging keeps your iPad charging while in use
The Smart Keyboard in comparison is simply a keyboard without any bonus features.
Portability
If you want an iPad keyboard to throw in your bag for use on the go, the 297g Smart Keyboard is the obvious winner for portability.
The Magic Keyboard clocks in at a heftier 600g+. And that‘s before adding the weight of the iPad itself. This makes the Magic Keyboard better suited for desk/table use rather than mobile environments.
Price and Value
The Magic Keyboard carries a steep $299 price tag, even higher than entry-level iPad models. This premium pricing gets you better build quality, typing experience, and extra features.
Meanwhile the Smart Keyboard sells for a more modest $179. While you compromise on certain aspects, this cheaper keyboard cover still lets you efficiently type on your iPad while protecting it.
For many users, the Smart Keyboard hits the sweet spot of being good enough while costing far less than the Magic option. But hardcore typists may find the Magic Keyboard worthwhile for the quality improvements.
Who Should Get Each Keyboard?
Get the Magic Keyboard if:
- You want the absolute best typing experience
- Using trackpad/mouse input is important to your workflow
- Adjustable angles for comfortable use is key
- Cost isn‘t your primary concern
Get the Smart Keyboard if:
- You primarily want basic typing on a budget
- Being ultralight for travel is a requirement
- You don‘t need advanced features like trackpad
- You‘re fine with limited viewing angles
Bottom Line
The Magic Keyboard transforms your iPad into a near laptop-replacement for getting work done. But it comes at a steep price. The lightweight Smart Keyboard offers reliable typing in a slimmer package for much cheaper.
Ultimately, choose based on your budget tolerance and which features matter most for your intended iPad usage patterns. Both keyboards have their own pros and cons compared in this guide.
Hopefully this detailed comparison of the Magic Keyboard vs Smart Keyboard helps clarify which one best matches your needs! Let me know if you have any other questions.